Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Vaccination passport requirements kick in, state auditor grilled under subpoena, BYU defies gathering laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Auditor Les Kondo

State auditor Les Kondo and office are subjects of House investigation. For the first time in his five-year tenure, state Auditor Les Kondo was subpoenaed to appear before a special state House Investigative Committee on Monday and testified under oath about separate audits that found two state entities bungled economic opportunities to better manage state lands. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Legislator Joins Board of Education on Interim Basis.
Lyla Berg, who owns a leadership consulting company, will serve at least through June. Civil Beat.

No shutdown planned for Hawaii, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Monday that there won’t be another full-scale shutdown in Hawaii, despite the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the islands that have strained the resources of hospitals and prompted the governor earlier this month to sign an executive order shielding health care facilities from liability if they have to ration critical care. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Monday marks day one of the new vaccination mandate for all state contractors and visitors at many state facilities. Under the new rules, private employees working on state property need to be vaccinated or provided weekly negative COVID tests. Hawaii News Now.

State Appears Lax In Reviewing The Cases Of People Sitting In Jail Awaiting Trial. But prison officials say they already comply with a 2019 law that requires reviews of all pretrial detainees every three months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 461 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 72,352. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 311 new cases on Oahu, 32 on Maui, 82 on Hawaii island, 27 on Kauai, two on Molokai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy for Honolulu falls flat. The foundation of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy was built on two promises: He assured the public that he would end sweeps of encampments and replace police with social workers to address nonviolent 911 calls. Now nine months into his term, neither promise has been fully realized. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu over halfway to reaching housing goal.
The city is a little over halfway to its goal of establishing 300 households by the end of the year through the Oahu Housing Now program. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants adapt to new COVID-19 rules.
Restaurants are adjusting to new dine-in requirements for patrons who must now present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to be seated. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Fitness members take new COVID-19 rules in stride. Monday was the first day of the Safe Access O‘ahu program where all patrons must show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result to enter bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and recreational settings such as bowling alleys, arcades and archery ranges. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Anonymous tip leads police to illegal ‘block party’ on BYU campus. An anonymous tip led Honolulu police to a party with hundreds of people in Laie over the weekend. It happened Friday night on the campus of BYU Hawaii, violating the city’s gathering restrictions. And it appears school officials gave the event the go-ahead. Hawaii News Now.

OCCC is fighting outbreak of more than 100 infections. More than 100 inmates and an employee at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, a cluster of infections that the state Department of Public Safety is working quickly to contain before it spreads into the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Tours to USS Arizona Memorial on hold as repairs to shoreside dock continue
. Boat rides to the memorial are still suspended. Operations were stopped at the beginning of the month when crews noticed a safety issue with one of the shoreside docks at the visitor center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State ponders Roth’s request to publicize list of those in quarantine
; Ige says ‘it’s a balancing act’. The state is evaluating a proposal from Mayor Mitch Roth to publicly identify individuals who opt to quarantine after arriving on the island, Gov. David Ige said. Tribune-Herald.

Ethics board clears council members.
The Board of Ethics unanimously cleared five County Council members of wrongdoing Monday following two complaints on unrelated issues. West Hawaii Today.

A family with ties to the Big Island hopes to support sustainable agriculture with a new dairy operation in Ookala. Chad and Stephanie Buck of Oahu recently purchased the assets of the former Big Island Dairy, which had been owned by Steve and Derek Whitesides since 2011 and was located on land leased from the state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Visitor Industry Prepares for Proof of Vaccination Requirements
. On Wednesday, Maui launches the similar "Safer Outside" program, though there will not be a COVID-19 testing option for patrons as there is on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County’s Solid Waste Division audited, morale in question. Ineffective leadership and unfair practices were noted as two causes of low morale in the county’s Department of Public Work’s Solid Waste Division, a new audit confirmed. Garden Island.

DMV to close early on Sept. 16. The Motor Vehicle Registration division of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closing at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, to accommodate a staff training. Garden Island.


 

Monday, September 13, 2021

Public input sought on new Mauna Kea master plan, judge approves prison lawsuit settlement, hospital rationing could lessen care for those over 65, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tourist view Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii welcomes public comments on new Maunakea Master Pla
n. There is a draft of the new Maunakea Master Plan that the University of Hawaii would like public input on. KHON2. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

TMT project manager makes presentation.
While construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea has yet to begin, work on the project continues around the world. Tribune-Herald.

A U.S. judge has given preliminary approval to a settlement in a lawsuit by Hawaiʻi inmates who allege state officials mishandled the pandemic and failed to protect them from COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails. Both sides agreed last week to the settlement, which establishes a five-person panel to oversee public health in correctional facilities and other measures to improve sanitation, hygiene and medical monitoring. Associated Press.

Older patients could be denied treatment under Hawaii’s ‘crisis standards of care’ plan if COVID-19 cases continue to surge. Hawaii is not yet rationing health care, but patients 65 and older could be denied medical assistance under certain provisions of the state’s “crisis standards of care” plan if the current COVID-19 surge escalates. Star-Advertiser.

Over Decades, Hawaii Cut Acute Care Hospital Beds. Then Came The Pandemic. Health and government officials argued that advances in medicine and patient preference reduced the need for the beds, but now, there aren’t enough. Civil Beat.

Same as it ever was: Reapportionment Commission holds fast to 2011 allocation of state legislative seats. There will be no canoe districts and all basic island units will keep the same number of state senators and state representatives they have now, the Reapportionment Commission agreed in unanimous votes Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Kindergarten Enrollment Has Dropped Sharply Since The Pandemic Began. While the latest DOE enrollment report shows a slight increase, the enrollment count for kindergarten is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. Civil Beat.

Proof of vaccine, negative test now required to enter public libraries. Effective today, Monday, Sept. 13, all public libraries and offices for the Hawai‘i State Public Library System will implement and enforce proof-of-vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours to enter. Garden Island.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 735 additional infections.
The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 484 new cases on Oahu, 111 on Hawaii island, 57 on Maui, 56 on Kauai, five on Molokai, and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Marines eye land for ‘future force’ at former Barbers Point base.
A space-crunched Marine Corps is looking for additional locations to house and train its “future force” in Hawaii, and one consideration may be hundreds of acres of undeveloped land on the east side of the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point. Star-Advertiser.

HART Sheds More Staff, Including Its Latest Chief Financial Officer. The changes come amid the HART board’s private discussions on future leadership at the agency. Civil Beat.

Honolulu first responders account for half of city workers seeking COVID-19 vaccine mandate exemptions. In Honolulu as of Tuesday, 255 police officers, 101 firefighters, 80 water safety workers and 23 emergency medical technicians and mobile emergency care specialists claimed that religion or a medical issue prevent them from accepting a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the city Department of Human Resources. Star-Advertiser.

With new COVID mandates on the way, more line up to get vaccinated. Some residents said they weren’t planning on getting the vaccine at all but chose to get the shot to keep their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

City to open new mass testing site at Blaisdell Arena.
It is a drive-thru testing site only, which means the participant will need to register in advance online. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID testing sites on Oahu see uptick as new rules set to kick in. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s plan requires most Honolulu-area entertainment, recreational and food service establishments to require that workers and patrons provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu businesses face challenges as new COVID mandate begins
. New uncertainty begins today for a long list of Oahu businesses when new COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandates kick in for 60 days with the goal of reducing the spread of the virus. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Stands likely to remain empty as University of Hawaii spectators still not allowed. The University of Hawaii football team is the only one of more than 100 major college programs across the nation that has not been allowed to have spectators at its home games this season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Former Na Leo TV exec charged with embezzlement and bribery.
Former Na Leo TV CEO Stacy Higa is pleading guilty to federal charges of federal programs embezzlement and bribery. Higa, a former Hawaii County councilman and 2020 mayoral candidate, entered into a plea agreement Aug. 19 with the federal government, although no documents have yet been filed, according to his lawyer, William Harrison. Star-Advertiser.

Low-income apartments approved for Kealakehe. A 111-unit subsidized rental apartment project is slated to be constructed on 5.4 acres near the intersection of Kealakaa and Uluaoa streets in Kealakehe, following unanimous approval last week by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor, police and fire chiefs talk employee vaccinations. A decision by the City and County of Honolulu to fire a 24-year police officer for refusing to be vaccinated could have implications on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Antibody clinic on way: HMC hopes to have COVID-19 treatment center running this month. The clinic, which will be located on the ground floor of the hospital, will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and staffed by FEMA-funded personnel. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Arrivals are Near Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Concerns Rise Over Cancellations. While arrivals on Maui are close to pre-pandemic levels for now, room cancellations for current and upcoming trips are starting to add up. Maui Now.

Maui businesses brace for ‘Safer Outside’ program. As the delta variant continues to spread in Hawaii and the summer travel boom begins to slow, many Maui businesses are on edge. KHON2.

Kauai

Mask rules vary at private schools. In a survey by The Garden Island, most private schools on Kaua‘i met the state’s requirements, while others required stricter masking or went the other direction, not enforcing the mandate at all. Garden Island.

29 new COVID-19 cases in Kaua‘i schools last week. The state Department of Education reported 426 COVID-19 cases between Sept. 3 and Sept. 9. Twenty-nine of those cases were on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.


Friday, September 10, 2021

Health pass rules tighten to include visitors to state facilities, school buses and other basic services break down due to COVID absenteeism, another Honolulu rail cost overrun, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Charles Freedman
Hawaii Capitol PC:Charles Freedman

Gov. David Ige says contractors, visitors to state facilities must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result. Ige’s order says the requirements are necessary to ensure the “safety of the government workforce during this ongoing escalation in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths resulting from the delta variant.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii ACLU pushes state Supreme Court to release inmates to mitigate COVID spread. The Hawaii ACLU filed a motion Thursday for the state Supreme Court to restart the program of releasing some inmates to ease overcrowding in jails and prisons. Hawaii News Now.

Severe shortage in bus drivers cancels routes, leaving students to find their own way to school. State education officials say the pandemic is leading to a severe shortage of school bus drivers on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, and across the country. Hawaii News Now.

Some neighbor island home sale prices lost steam in August. Data from real estate agent trade associations showed that the number of single-family home and condominium sales last month on Kauai, in Maui County and on Hawaii island rose between 9% and 216% while median sale prices mostly were higher but slipped in a few instances when compared with a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hospitality industry offer free staycations to eligible Hawaii health care workers. The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association announced Thursday that it will soon begin “Hotels for Healthcare Heroes” in partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Laulima Data Alliance. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Global infectious disease expert: 'Hawaii forgot what was making Hawaii safe'. A global infectious disease expert believes the best way for Hawaii to get a handle on Delta and other variants of the coronavirus is to restore pre-travel testing and implement post-travel testing for everyone entering the state – regardless of vaccination status. KITV4.

Doctors, health officials say children still at risk as COVID cases rise among Hawaii’s youth. The state Health Department reported that COVID cases among children 17 and under made up 17% of all infections in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 429 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 273 new cases on Oahu, 63 on Maui, 52 on Hawaii island, 33 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


Kahuku subdivision plan rejected by City Council.
The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday unanimously voted down a plan from a developer seeking to create a 91-home Kahuku subdivision largely as affordable housing on agricultural land. Star-Advertiser.

HART, HECO At Odds Over Who Caused A $34 Million Change Order To Rail. HART says HECO’s new safety standards were the problem. The utility, meanwhile, blames shoddy and delayed design work by a rail contractor. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Project works to house those in need in Waimanalo .
A blessing was held Thursday morning to commemorate the construction of eight new residences for houseless individuals and families in Waimanalo. The houses are part of the Hui Mahiai Aina Project, which works to create housing for those in need in the east Oahu community and to improve their quality of life. Hawaii News Now.

‘When We’re Full, We’re Full’: Oahu Homeless Shelters Struggle With High Demand. Shelters have reduced capacity and implemented Covid-19 vaccine or testing mandates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Who’s Behind This Increasingly Vocal Hawaii Group Opposing Covid-19 Mandates?
The grassroots Aloha Freedom Coalition says it is not affiliated with any political or religious views, but only wants to stand up for liberty. The Aloha Freedom Coalition was formed in September 2020 by supporters of Bud Stonebraker, a former Republican state legislator who ran unsuccessfully for the nonpartisan office of mayor of Honolulu last year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Massive backlog at DMV: More than 14K driver’s licenses have expired and await renewal. Residents needing to renew their driver’s license face months of waiting due to a backlog of appointments at the county Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division. Tribune-Herald.

Redistricting Commission gets to work: County Council districts expected to shrink, grow under new census numbers. The numbers are in, and the county Redistricting Commission is beginning its work redrawing County Council district lines to accommodate population growth reported by the 2020 census. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Candidates for fire chief draw public praise. Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ventura and retired Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett were both described as “excellent” choices to head the Maui Fire Department during public testimony Wednesday on the selection of a new fire chief. Maui News.

Oregon Man Arrested on Maui for Alleged Violation of Travel Quarantine. Maui Police say that upon arrival from Los Angeles, 40-year-old Christopher Chapman did not have a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility, and did not have approved lodging in which to complete the mandatory 10-day travel quarantine. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

COVID-19 surge in new cases forecast for Kauai County. Kauai County, whose record against COVID-19 has been the best in the state, hit a record number of cases Thursday and is projected to see a further spike in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

KDHO: 55 new cases Thursday.
Kaua‘i officials are monitoring just how effective vaccination passes on neighboring islands prove to be before committing to additional requirements here. Garden Island.

Native Seabirds Keep Turning Up Dead On A Popular Kauai Walking Trail. Feral cats and off-leash dogs are killing wedge-tailed shearwaters at Kauai’s Makahuena Point. Efforts to stop the carnage so far haven’t worked. Civil Beat.



Thursday, September 9, 2021

Ige announces vaccine passport, Honolulu morgue 83% over capacity, Hawaiian Airlines resumes American Samoa flights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


State launches Hawaii SMART Health Card program as businesses prepare to implement new requirements. Fully vaccinated people in Hawaii will soon be able to show digital proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status on mobile phones before entering businesses and other venues that require it. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Highgate mandates COVID-19 vaccinations at its Waikiki hotels. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and Highgate’s Hawaii collection of seven hotels announced Wednesday that they soon will require full COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees, guests and patrons. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume American Samoa Service After 17 Month Pause. Hawaiian Airlines is reconnecting Honolulu and American Samoa by resuming nonstop flights to the location next week. Maui Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Former HSTA President May Seek State Senate Seat. Corey Rosenlee is looking to run for the office currently held by Mike Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Landlords Can Now Evict Their Tenants. But Not Many Cases Are Being Filed — Yet. The Biden administration has called on states to enact eviction moratoriums, but Gov. David Ige doesn’t plan to revive Hawaii’s. Civil Beat.

American Civil Liberties Union joins call for early release of certain prisoners. The ACLU of Hawaii is joining the state Public Defender’s call for the early release of certain classifications of prisoners and is urging the Hawaii Department of Public Safety to vaccinate more of its employees as two of several steps needed to stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus among the state’s incarcerated population. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Education Department Says 89% Of Employees Have Been Fully Or Partially Vaccinated. The department released the figures after Gov. David Ige required all state and county workers to get vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid tests. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KITV4.

While DOE reports hundreds of COVID cases, leaders insist clusters not linked to public schools. In its most recent cluster report, the state Health Department said four clusters were in educational settings on Oahu and 10 on Maui. However, state officials said these recent clusters were not in DOE schools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 380 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 69,144. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 203 new cases on Oahu, 54 on Maui, 95 on Hawaii island, 19 on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning Commission closes public testimony on short-term rental bill. After listening to over 200 testifiers, largely against the measure, the commissioners decided to close public testimony, but not make a decision until a Sept. 29 meeting. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Urges Blangiardi Administration to Remove Haʻikū Stairs.
The Honolulu City Council has passed a measure urging the city to dismantle the steps at a popular and closed hiking trail known as Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

With morgue full and COVID surge continuing, city moves in 2 more mortuary trailers. As the state continues to grapple with rising COVID hospitalizations and deaths, the city Medical Examiner’s Office is reporting that it’s now 83% over capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu records 2nd coronavirus-related death of City and County of Honolulu employee. A second Honolulu city employee died this week from complications related to COVID-19 , two weeks after the city recorded its first coronavirus-related fatality. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police officer is facing termination for refusing vaccination. A 24-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department must accept a COVID-19 vaccine or lose his career in law enforcement after he was served with termination papers Tuesday for declining to comply with the city’s employee vaccine mandate. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Leaders push state, city to open more COVID testing sites amid growing demand. Currently, there are about nine free testing sites on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Weed and Seed program sees 74 arrests in Chinatown area. In the two months since the city brought back Weed and Seed, a once-federal program meant to target crime in a specific area and then bolster community initiatives, at least 74 people have been arrested for mostly drug-related crimes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land board to consider proposals for Uncle Billy’s, Country Club sites.
Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and the Country Club Condo Hotel could be replaced by Hilton franchises under redevelopment proposals submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

State: Removal of two Maunakea telescopes won’t harm environment. The removal of two Maunakea telescopes will have no significant impacts on the environment, according to reports by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental Assessment Required For Pohoiki Road Restoration. FEMA says the additional assessment will take about six months for it to complete, County officials say. Big Island Video News.

Sister City program survives pandemic. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put pause to the customary travel among sister cities, but Hawaii County and local organizations have found workarounds to keep the relationships alive until officials can return to the skies. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

On-Site Oxygen Generator Installed and Tested on Maui, to Supplement Supply. Maui received an on-site Oxygen Generator last week and was able to install and test the unit successfully this week, according to Maui Health. Maui Now.

Miyake-HPM Building Supply Completes Renovation of 4 Rebranded Maui Stores. A year after HPM Building Supply and Miyake Concrete Accessories merged on Maui, the newly combined Miyake – HPM Building Supply has completed the rebranding and renovation of its four stores in Lahaina, Kīhei, Makawao and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

County starts appointment system for COVID-19 testing. Due to high demand for COVID-19 testing, the county’s free testing site at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e is implementing a ticketing system to avoid long wait times. Garden Island.

Groundbreaking Tuesday for Princeville’s Kaua‘i Kupuna Park. The Kaua‘i FitLot, described as the first phase of the Kaua‘i Kupuna Park, is a 42-foot circular platform featuring low-impact equipment designed for kupuna. Garden Island.


Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Tax revenue forecast brightens, teachers union files grievances over COVID protocols, Oahu median home price tops $1M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii dawn ©2021 All Hawaii News

New Hawaii climate technology fund to be unveiled. Hawaii-founded Elemental Excelerator plans to unveil a $60 million early-stage venture capital fund today called Earthshot Ventures that will be the first climate technology fund with roots in the state. The fund, which will invest in both hardware and software companies, is being launched to support entrepreneurs tackling climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii panel boosts general fund tax revenue forecast. The Council on Revenues on Tuesday raised its forecast for Hawaii’s general fund tax revenues, saying it now expects revenues to increase by 6.3% during the current fiscal year instead of 3%. Associated Press.

Here’s How Native Hawaiian Groups Are Using $38 Million In Federal Funds. Native Hawaiians have been hit hard by the latest surge in the coronavirus and still have among the lowest vaccination rates. Civil Beat.

State Teachers Union Files Actions Over Covid Test Mandate, Safety Protocols.
The union representing Hawaii’s 13,500 public school teachers has filed a pair of grievances against the Department of Education over the implementation of the state’s Covid-19 testing mandate and “unsafe and changing working conditions” in classrooms, according to a release issued on Tuesday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

New vaccine-or-test rules at Hawaii workplaces, including state and county offices, are making it harder for people to get tested if they actually feel sick. But they also seem to be increasing the state’s vaccination rate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii health official warns of more COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks.
Acting state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble says there is a lag between identifying cases and seeing hospitalizations and deaths. KITV4.

Mu variant detected in Hawaii, but threat is low now. The mu variant of the coronavirus, which may be better at evading protections offered by the available vaccines, has been found in nearly every state, including Hawaii, where its prevalence is second only to Alaska, according to data from Scripps Research. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2.

New COVID case averages dropping.
The state’s average daily number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to 706 over the past seven days, according to the state Department of Health. Garden Island.

Hawaii sees 499 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 68,764. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 364 new cases on Oahu, 38 on Maui, 50 on Hawaii island, 45 on Kauai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu’s median home sale price tops $1 million for the first time.
For the first time ever, a monthly median sale price for single-family homes on the island breached the million-dollar mark — hitting $1,050,000 in August, according to Honolulu Board of Realtors data released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu prepares for ‘Safe Access Oahu’ rollout. Starting on Monday, Sept. 13, workers and customers at gyms, restaurants and movie theaters will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test. KHON2.

COVID surge strains Oahu’s EMS service, forcing some patients to wait for an ambulance. Prior to the pandemic, Honolulu EMS would respond to an average of 250 calls a day. Over the past month, call volume has jumped 32%. That means EMS crews are being dispatched to an additional 80 calls every day. Hawaii News Now.

Months After Delivery, Portable Cells Sit Unused At Oahu Correctional Center.
Two containers that are supposed to be used as medical isolation cells at the state’s largest jail are sitting unused more than eight months after they were delivered because prison officials discovered the jail’s aging electrical system cannot accommodate the extra load of the new cells. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Argues Against Further Inmate Releases. The prosecutor and corrections officials say the releases aren’t needed to reduce the spread of Covid-19 because inmates now have access to vaccines. Civil Beat.

Increased police enforcement leads to calmer Labor Day weekend. For the first time in five years no one died or was critically injured on Oahu in a Labor Day weekend car crash following islandwide efforts by Honolulu police to curtail impaired driving and encourage compliance with COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Warns Of Service Delays Due To COVID Surge. Officials say affected divisions include Building, Solid Waste, Vehicle Registration and Licensing, Traffic, and Parks Maintenance. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Saddle Road extension shelved. Construction of the road was put “on hold” in fall 2020 after state funding sources dried up and the extension effort was not awarded a federal grant. The state had hoped to draw money from the rental car surcharge fund for the project, but without tourism, the account has seen little revenue. West Hawaii Today.

County Council targets financial literacy. Council members voted Tuesday during a meeting of the Government Operations, Relations, and Economic Development Committee in favor of a nonbinding resolution urging the state Legislature to encourage the state Department of Education to develop a public school curriculum focused on better preparing keiki for the financial realities of adult life. Tribune-Herald.

HPD to retain authority over animal control. The Hawaii Police Department likely will retain responsibility for animal control throughout the county for at least the next year, Police Chief Paul Ferreira said. Tribune-Herald.

Police: Victim of dog attack in HPP dies. Police say the 85-year-old woman bitten by multiple dogs on Aug. 14 in Hawaiian Paradise Park died Sunday at Hilo Medical Care Intensive Care Unit, where she had been since the dog attack. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui “Safer Outside” Rules Includes Vaccine Guidelines at Eateries. County officials are calling Maui’s new set of rules “Safer Outside.” It includes the previously announced vaccine guidelines for eateries, and newly announced reduction in capacity for commercial recreational boating, ground transportation, and commercial tour operators. There will also be no spectators at indoor or outdoor sporting events. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

While some residents support Maui County’s vaccine order for businesses, some say it’s unfair. With Maui County to require vaccine cards to be inside of certain establishments, some businesses find the mandate unfair while some residents said it makes them feel safer. Hawaii News Now.

Online platform to help farmers sell locally. Maui homesteader tapped to operate ‘Amazon-style’ distribution system. Maui News.

Health Department issues red placard to Maui pizza restaurant. Officials said the restaurant would have to remain closed until it complies with requirements, including more frequent professional pest control treatments, along with a monitoring and treatment plan for both cockroaches and rodents, and thorough cleaning of all areas underneath and on top of kitchen equipment. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Special December Election Set To Replace Kauai’s Prosecutor. Kauai Prosecutor Justin Kollar, who steered the county’s criminal legal system away from mass incarceration, is retiring later this month. Civil Beat.

County’s homebuyer program list expands with Kapa‘a property. The county’s Homebuyer Program is looking to add more inventory with a purchase of property in Kapa‘a. With the Molo Street buy, the county will effectively be adding to the dwindling affordable housing market. Garden Island.

Only one COVID citation issued during Labor Day weekend. Department of Parks &Recreation officials responded to gatherings at beach parks, where they issued warnings, county officials said. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Hospitals given liability immunity to ration health care, Maui to implement health pass at restaurants, coronavirus spreading in schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aug. 21, 2021 Josh Green
Triage tent constructed Aug. 21, 2021, outside Queen's Hospital West PC:Lt. Gov. Josh Green

Hawaii medical facilities given immunity in COVID surge. The strain of surging COVID-19 cases has reached the point where Gov. David Ige has signed an executive order giving health care institutions immunity from liability if they ration care. Star-Advertiser.

Interim Schools Superintendent on Rising COVID Cases on Campus. More than 2,100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Hawai‘i's public schools since July 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Bureau of Investigation records 120 hate crimes over past 5 years in Hawaii. There have been more than 100 hate crimes in Hawaii over the past five years, and statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation last week reveal that whites were targeted more than any other group. Star-Advertiser.

Evictions not yet spiking in Hawaii despite moratorium’s end. It’s been nearly two weeks since a federal eviction moratorium protecting renters was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the ruling doesn’t appear to have triggered a wave of eviction notices in Hawaii — yet. Star-Advertiser.

CDC data: Overall, Hawaii’s COVID cases, fatalities are lowest in nation. When it comes to COVID cases, the CDC says Hawaii has had the lowest infection rate in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic. But the current trajectory Hawaii is on is concerning to health officials. Hawaii News Now.

Delta variant, lack of restrictions will bring isle hospitals to brink soon, expert says. The Hawaii Department of Health on Monday reported two new coronavirus-related deaths and 756 new infections statewide. The new probable and confirmed cases include 473 on Oahu, 85 on Maui, 119 on Hawaii Island, 65 on Kauai and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

2 Defendants In Miske Case Want The Court To Let Them Out On Bail.
Hearings are set this week on motions to reconsider the judge’s prior decision favoring continued detention. Civil Beat.

City pans Kahuku affordable-housing plan. A planned affordable- housing project on agricultural land in Kahuku has run into opposition from city planners and a majority of Honolulu City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu County Planning Commission hearing on vacation rental rules Wednesday. Changes could be coming to Oahu’s vacation rental rules. The Honolulu County Planning Commission is weighing whether to limit permits to just a handful of resort areas, and to change the definition of short-term rental from under 30 days to under 180 days. KHON2.

How Do You Build A Community From Scratch? This Homeless Advocate Is Trying. The homeless community that has long occupied space next to the Waianae Boat Harbor has big plans to move to permanent homes at a new site. Civil Beat.

Navy fortifies Red Hill fuel safety plan. The Navy has reinforced a proposal to reduce the risk of its massive World War II-era Red Hill underground fuel storage complex polluting Oahu’s drinking water aquifer after safety regulators rejected the plan almost a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurant owners brace for vaccine requirement. Among all of the economic concerns confronting the islands, Oahu restaurants face extra uncertainty over how their employees will react when they are required to get at least one COVID-19 vaccination or provide weekly proof of negative tests starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Acute care module set up outside Queen’s West Oahu as Hawaii’s hospitals brace for surge. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii the acute care module is slated to open Tuesday and will be used to expand the hospital’s emergency room capabilities. Hawaii News Now.

Union says COVID surge, nurse shortage forcing Queen's ICU to compromise safety. Managers are required to exhaust all alternatives like offering overtime to staff and bringing in nurses from the mainland, before changing staffing and the nurse to patient ratio. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Advocates concerned inmates’ rights are being violated under current virus mandates. Hawaii Community Correctional Center is in its fourth month of a COVID-19 lockdown which includes a halt to transportation of inmates for court hearings. Tribune-Herald.

First hydrogen vehicle lands on the Big Island. The 2017 Toyota Mirai arrived recently at the Puu Waawaa energy ranch, an off-grid laboratory devoted to testing and developing renewable energy systems. West Hawaii Today.

Board to vote on design of new teaching telescope. The board of the Office of Maunakea Management will decide today whether to approve a design for a new teaching telescope to be installed at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

Police towing fewer cars under ‘Aliyah’s Law’: Author of 2012 ordinance questions implementation; mayor wants law ‘applied more’ for DUIs. The author of Aliyah’s Law, a Hawaii County ordinance enacted in 2012 that allows police to order a vehicle towed at the driver’s expense, is questioning the implementation of the law named after Aliyah Braden, a 17-month-old toddler killed in fatal 2009 drunken driving crash. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui to Implement Health Pass on Sept. 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said a modified health pass will be implemented at Maui County restaurants beginning on Sept. 15, that is similar to, but less restrictive than the Safe Access O‘ahu program that begins in just 10 days.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Nisei veterans center breaks ground on new pavilion. Facility will help expand visitor space, capacity for research. Maui News.

Kauai

County’s homebuyer program list expands with Kapa‘a property. The county’s Homebuyer Program is looking to add more inventory with a purchase of property in Kapa‘a. With the Molo Street buy, the county will effectively be adding to the dwindling affordable housing market. Garden Island.

Recent film activity on Kaua‘i includes ‘Red Notice’. The movies are returning to Kaua‘i after the island’s film industry was cut in half this past fiscal year. Garden Island.

Friday, September 3, 2021

Officials plead, but take no further action to prevent Labor Day gatherings, COVID counting system falters again, hundreds testify against vaccines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Why Are Data Glitches Continually Skewing Hawaii’s Covid-19 Numbers? The state’s tracking system is like a complex information highway, moving data from many labs to a central reporting point. But some say there are too many traffic jams. Civil Beat.

Governor pleads with residents to avoid Labor Day gatherings, crowds. The governor is pleading with residents to avoid gatherings over the Labor Day weekend, saying Hawaii is facing a “worst-case scenario” because of the COVID surge. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Big Island Now.

Coast Guard and NOAA targeting illegal boat charters. The Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement are targeting illegal boat charters in Hawaii through September. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Couple allegedly falsifies vaccine cards to travel to Hawaii. A Georgia couple is the latest case of visitors who attempted to circumvent Hawaii’s Safe Travels program by allegedly using falsified COVID-19 vaccination cards to travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Crowded Prisons And Poorly Ventilated Restaurant Kitchens Fuel Hawaii’s Pandemic. The state’s latest cluster report describes one instance in which seven of 12 fully vaccinated people who went to karaoke without wearing masks caught Covid. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State reports increase in COVID cases among the vaccinated as overall infections soar. The state Health Department says it’s seeing an increase in the number of COVID cases among vaccinated people because of widespread community transmission. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,068 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 724 new cases on Oahu, 128 on Maui, 169 on Hawaii Island, 39 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

In impassioned address to City Council, Honolulu’s mayor warns hospitals are near ‘breaking point’. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told the City Council on Thursday that government is doing everything possible ― short of a lockdown ― to address an ongoing surge in COVID cases, but warned hospitals and the health care system are nearing a “breaking point.” He also said that those refusing to get vaccinated are a vocal minority. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hundreds testify on COVID-19 vaccine programs. The testimony largely became a critique of the city’s new Safe Access O‘ahu program, which would require patrons at establishments such as restaurants, movie theaters and gyms to have a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours or show proof of a vaccination starting Sept. 13. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The illegal vacation rental industry is now one of the biggest targets of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration. But his proposed crackdown is also part of a strategy that could help reduce overtourism as well as freeing up housing for residents. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Postal Service supplier plans to close in Manoa. The closure means the Manoa area will be without a post office or location offering USPS services, and it was an issue brought up at a Wednesday night neighborhood board meeting in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH-Hilo faculty given option to use hybrid model. Faculty at the University of Hawaii at Hilo last month were given the option to temporarily move from in-person classes to a hybrid model due to the surge of COVID-19 cases. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Invasive Species Committee May Have To Cut 'Critical' Programs. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee faces a budget shortfall of about $220,000 for 2022. Hawaii Public Radio.

DUI arrests on the rise: Despite ongoing pandemic, numbers are just shy of 2019. According to a Wednesday statement from the Hawaii Police Department, there have been 727 DUI arrests for the year. That’s up 18.2% from the 615 DUI arrests at this time in 2020. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawai‘i Land Trust Receives Donation from Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos. Amazon founder and Executive Chair, Jeff Bezos has made two more personal donations to nonprofits on Maui, bringing the growing list of philanthropy on Maui for the e-commerce executive to four.  Today’s announcements include monetary donations of unspecified amounts to the Hawaiʻi Land Trust and the Mālama Family Recovery Center. Earlier this week, Bezos contributed personal donations to the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center and The Maui Farm. Maui Now.

Kauai

$2M to help low-income renters. In the last two years, the County Housing Agency’s Housing Choice Voucher program has been able to grow from a monthly average of around 650 to 870 households. Garden Island.

Final Waimea 400 plan meeting is Sept. 9. A final community meeting for the Waimea 400 conceptual community master plan will be held virtually online on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Garden Island.


Thursday, September 2, 2021

Hawaii military seeks public comments on noise pollution, two named to Department of Interior, Honolulu council mulls caps on short-term rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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©2021 All Hawaii News

The Military Wants Ideas On How To Turn Down The Volume In Hawaii’s Noisy Skies. The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is seeking comments from community members through Oct. 3 as part of a noise mitigation initiative for areas experiencing noise levels of 65 decibels or more from nearby military training and operations. Civil Beat.

Two Native Hawaiians, Keone Nakoa and Summer Lee Haunani Sylva, appointed to the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Two Native Hawaiians were appointed to the U.S. Department of the Interior Wednesday, garnering praise from local leaders who say their experiences and backgrounds will strengthen the Biden-Harris administration’s pledge to better serve and support indigenous communities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

How The Hawaii Supreme Court Has Shaped Policing In The State. Recent rulings have built on decades of precedent in Hawaii that protects individuals from unreasonable government intrusions. Civil Beat.

Under mandate, Hawaii inmates will have to be vaccinated before they’re paroled. Hawaii inmates will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID before they are released on parole, under a new mandate that goes into effect Thursday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Enrollment at Hawaii’s public schools declines for second year in a row. The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that over 3,000 fewer students enrolled in the statewide public school system this year over the start of last year — a decline of 1.7%. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Combating COVID as a state brought on many challenges. Misinformation isn’t helping. Public health experts and government officials say they’re being hobbled in their efforts to right the spread of COVID by opponents spreading misinformation. Hawaii News Now.

State officials issue warning over illegal gatherings. State officials Wednesday said they have a stern message for anyone planning to defy gathering restrictions on public lands. Law enforcement will be out in full force and on the lookout for illegal, superspreader events this Labor Day weekend. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii records 13 new coronavirus-related deaths, 455 additional infections in partial count. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 291 new cases on Oahu, 51 on Maui, 64 on Hawaii Island, 37 on Kauai, three on Molokai, one on Lanai, and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term rental bill gets first public hearing. A measure that would change the restriction of a short-term rental to 180 days, from less than 30 days, attracted over 350 virtual attendees with mixed opinions during a five-hour meeting Wednesday in a public hearing held by the Honolulu Planning Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu vaccine enforcement will be complaint-driven. The City and County of Honolulu will require patrons and employees of certain businesses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in less than two weeks. KHON2.

Honolulu’s strict vaccine mandate could sideline hundreds of first responders who refuse to get shot. Of the 2,500 total Honolulu Police Department workers, about 270 officers and civilians have requested exemptions and around two dozen didn’t fill out the vaccine status form altogether. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi clashes with anti-vax demonstrators. The scene outside Honolulu Hale turned hostile as anti-vaccination and anti-mask protesters demanded a meeting with Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State-owned firm delinquent on Kakaako housing fees. The delinquency stems from financial shortfalls operating 150 state-owned affordable rental apartments in the Honuakaha complex, which also includes 93 condos and the historic Royal Brewery building at 545 and 547 Queen St. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID closes transfer stations: Diminished staff rotating around the island. COVID, not costs, is driving the closure of county garbage transfer stations, officials said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

KCH Cancels Elective Surgeries as Oxygen Needs Increase. Kona Community Hospital has canceled all elective surgeries until further notice as the facility continues to grapple with overwhelming patient counts due to COVID-19 and increased demand for oxygen. Big Island Now.

Public input sought: Hearing set for proposed Kahalu‘u surf school regulations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will hold the hearing via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sept. 8 on the proposed amendments of Hawaii Administrative Rules. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Veterans Home Slowly Getting Back to Normal After Deadly Outbreak Last Year
. It’s been a year since a deadly COVID-19 outbreak surged through the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, killing 27 residents and infecting more than 100 residents and staff. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Councilmember Sugimura Announces Formation of Axis Deer Task Force. Councilmember Yuki lei Sugimura, in partnership with Mayor Michael Victorino, announced the formation of a Maui Axis Deer Task Force to address the growing impacts of feral deer across the island. Maui Now.

Amala Place Clean-Up to Begin This Month.
The County of Maui and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources announced plans for a comprehensive clean-up of public lands surrounding the Kanahā Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Treatment Plant. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council Explores Limiting Visitor Access. A public Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council meeting was held in July to discuss limiting nonresidents at the beach park — the first hearing brought to the community. The area is unique because while the beach is managed by the state, the beach park is owned and maintained by Pūlama Lānaʻi, Larry Ellison's land and resource management company. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council defers rental car tax class bill. After strong opposition from major rental car companies, the county administration has asked for a deferral of a bill that would create a real property tax classification for rental car operations. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor asks residents to cooperate with contact tracers, avoid traveling and gathering.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami is asking Garden Island residents to help avoid a shutdown due to the coronavirus by avoiding unnecessary travel and large gatherings — and cooperating with contact tracers. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Hospital beds, oxygen, nurses in short supply, hotels start feeling the hit of governor's stay-away request, state and county workers vaccine mandate stands for now, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photo by Javier Matheu on Unsplash

Medical facilities struggling to find beds and enough staff to care for new COVID-19 patients.
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 jumped to 437 on Tuesday, a nearly 5% increase from the previous day, further straining the resources of Hawaii’s hospitals, which have had to set up overflow tents and bring in nurses and other medical staff from the mainland to help care for the influx of patients. This week, hospitals also have had to begin conserving oxygen supplies. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotels are beginning to see mounting cancellations as COVID surge continues. About a week after Gov. David Ige asked tourists to stay home, and as COVID cases continue to surge in the islands, Hawaii hotels are seeing an increase in cancellations. Hawaii News Now.

Judge delays hearing on suit against vaccine mandate for state and county workers. A federal judge has delayed indefinitely a hearing on a lawsuit against the vaccinate-or-test mandate for state and county workers. The hearing on whether to block the requirements was scheduled for Sept. 8. Hawaii News Now.

State Worker Salaries Have Climbed In The Past Decade.
The number of state employees has stayed remarkably consistent since 2011, but their salaries kept going up. Civil Beat.

Expired driver’s license, permit or ID? You’ll want to renew it by Oct. 4. The governor’s waiver for the expired documents ends on Oct. 4. After that date, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you won’t be able to renew it. Instead you’ll have to re-take and pass the written exam and road tests. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii traffic-related fatalities continue to surpass those from 2020. The state has tallied 60 traffic-related fatalities in the first eight months of this year, surpassing numbers from the same time in 2020 as an upward trend continues. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 553 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 63,502. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 430 new cases on Oahu, 37 on Maui, 65 on Hawaii island, 13 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Here’s How Honolulu Plans To Spend $386 Million In Federal Covid Relief Funds. The blueprint includes $15 million for expanded coronavirus testing and other services and $10 million for vaccine incentives. Civil Beat.

Council members urge officals to use more resources to stop COVID-19 spread, including reinstating pre-travel testing. Members of the Honolulu City Council are pushing for more city resources to combat the spread of COVID-19, including more testing sites, isolation facilities and reinstating the pre-traveling testing program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority tourism plan for Oahu focuses on reducing visitors
. The Destination Management Action Pla also focuses on several other key actions that the community, visitor industry and other sectors deem necessary over a three-year period. Establishing a regenerative tourism fee, creating reservation systems for natural and cultural sites, managing visitors’ use of cars and expanding and supporting “Buy Local” programs also were key actions. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

‘Moderna’ misspelled on Illinois visitor’s alleged fake vaccination card. State investigators said they received a tip that 24-year-old Chloe Mrozak of Oak Lawn, Illinois may have uploaded the false documents under the state’s Safe Travels Program to bypass traveler quarantine rules. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Developers propose timeshares for Waikoloa Kings’ Course
. The popularity of the game of golf is waning, leading a Waikoloa developer to request permission to repurpose half of one of its two golf courses into single-family home lots and timeshare units. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Solid Waste Facilities Announce Closures Due to COVID-19. Closures will affect solid waste facilities in Hilo, Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Hāwī and Keauhou. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ventura, Lonokailua-Hewett in running for fire chief. Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ventura and retired Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett are vying for the position of fire chief. Maui News.

Maui Hospital Prepares Now to Mitigate Oxygen Needs, Potential Rise in COVID Care. Maui Health administrators say research has shown that about 10% of positive cases will likely need hospitalization within 10-14 days of virus onset.  That could translate to 46 additional hospitalizations within the next two weeks. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Sued By Cop Who Complained Of Discrimination. A Kauai police captain is suing Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck alleging he was passed over for a promotion because of his race and then retaliated against for filing a discrimination complaint last year. Civil Beat.

State safeguarding native birds, plants in Honopu watershed. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is building a fence enclosing nearly 240-acres in the Honopu Valley to protect native flora and fauna from invasive species. Garden Island.